“The UN vote can be a catalyst for genuine negotiations between Israel and Palestine on a more equal footing” – Jimmy Carter

The Elders commend today's vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state, and express their hope that this result will represent an important step towards peace and security for all Palestinians and Israelis.

“The blaming and finger-pointing at the highest levels of the international community are unconscionable distractions from the bloodshed, death and destruction unfolding each day in Syria.” Desmond Tutu

While The Elders believe that any solution to the violence in Syria must be owned and led by Syrians, they stress that the international community must unite to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict – and fulfil its responsibility to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to the injured, displaced and vulnerable.

"Nobody could have taken up the mantle in such an unforgiving context, with as much courage, dedication and humility." Desmond Tutu

The Elders urge the international community to unite to help end the Syrian crisis, following Kofi Annan's announcement that he will not continue his mission as Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis when his mandate expires at the end of August.

“Building confidence and constructive relations between Sudan and South Sudan is urgent” – Jimmy Carter

Two members of The Elders, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi, met President Omar Al-Bashir in Khartoum today as part of a two-stage visit to support peace efforts in Sudan and South Sudan.

Only dialogue can avoid another humanitarian catastrophe

Following recent clashes along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis and called on the two leaders to return to dialogue.

Reconciliation should be pursued in an open and inclusive manner

"The task of reconciliation and healing must remain a priority" for Côte d'Ivoire, Kofi Annan says after a two-day visit to Abidjan.

The Elders are deeply saddened by the violence taking place in Côte d'Ivoire. While former president Laurent Gbagbo must bear primary responsibility for the conflict after he refused to step down following the latest presidential elections, The Elders emphasise that both sides must be held accountable for their actions during the fighting.

The Elders state that only Colonel Gaddafi's departure from power can stop the violent repression in Libya, and urge UN Member States to consider measures to provide immediate protection amd humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.

The Elders urge President Rakapaksa of Sri Lanka to protect the rights of civilians displaced after the government’s defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May, and call on the international community to prioritise the long-term stability of the country.

Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi, Jimmy Carter and Graça Machel, who visited Sudan in 2007 on The Elders' first mission, join the call for states to provide peacekeepers with helicopters in the Darfur region of Sudan.